Occasionally, people need extra space to store their things. Whether you are moving and need temporary storage while you find your new home in a new city or have just plain run out of room, here's a look at three ways you can make sure you get and pay for exactly the self-storage you need.
Declutter Everything
Before you rent a storage unit though a company like Northwest Self Storage, it is imperative you go through your house and decide what you really need. So many people just hang on to belongings, even if they don't use them.
Walk through every room in your house with a pen and notebook. Write down anything that you really don't need anymore. If you come across any boxes that haven't been unpacked from a previous move, chances are whatever is in there, you definitely don't need!
Call one of the local charities to come pick up your unwanted items, or hold a yard sale and make a few extra bucks to finance your move or storage needs.
By decluttering first, you won't be lugging stuff you don't need to storage, and you won't be paying for storage space you don't need.
Research Self-Storage Options
Storage units come not only in different sizes, but different styles as well. Before renting one, you need to decide exactly what kind of storage you need.
- Outdoor Storage: Storage that can be easily accessed by simply driving up to you unit, usually whenever it is convenient for you.
- Indoor Storage: An indoor self-storage unit is protected from the elements and is accessed from an interior entrance. It may or may not have 24-hour access.
- Standard: Just like a garage, standard storage units are not heated.
- Heated: Some, but not all, indoor storage units are heated. This is useful if your goods need protection from the cold.
- Climate Controlled: The temperature is kept constant in these self- storage units, protecting your possessions from temperature extremes.
If you are just temporarily storing some boxes of miscellaneous things, a standard storage unit will probably suffice, but if you will be storing things for an extended period of time or storing items like expensive antique furniture or priceless photographs, climate controlled is the way to go.
Double-Check Your Insurance
Give your insurance agent a call before moving your stuff, and let them know you will be storing some of your items off-site from your home. Determine the level of coverage in the event of theft or some kind of disaster. Check if the self-storage company offers any protection as well.
